Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has stated that his administration will not engage in unnecessary confrontations with the promoters of the May 30 sit-at-home event, which is held to honor those killed during the Nigerian civil war.
Speaking to newsmen in Umuahia through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, Governor Otti emphasized that people have the right to mourn their dead.
He assured that the government is in touch with schools to ensure that students sitting for the West African Examination Council (WAEC) exams are not adversely affected.
“We are in touch with all the schools affected to see what could be done so that WAEC exams are not disrupted. We are in touch with schools on how to handle the situation,” Otti said.
He added, “We are not interested in unnecessary confrontation with the people who are appealing for sit-at-home in honor of their dead ones. They have every right to mourn their own, especially given the history of that war.”
Governor Otti stressed the importance of not politicizing the event, noting, “It’s something we shouldn’t politicize. It was an emotional period when we remember the genocidal onslaught. We don’t have any interest in confronting those who are asking people to observe that moment of honor for those who were victims of the genocidal war.”
He highlighted that the government is handling the situation with wisdom and diplomacy, engaging with all involved actors.
“The most important thing is to see what we can do to ensure that students write their exams. There are things we don’t want to disclose. But be assured that we are putting measures in place to ensure there is peace in Abia State,” Otti concluded.
Meanwhile, MUK TV reports that the enforcement of the sit-at-home order has degenerated in Aba, the commercial city of the state.
In a video circulating online, pro-biafra agitators could be seen exchanging gunfire with soldiers at an Army checkpoint in Obikabia, allegedly leading to lost of lives.
